Spirea Shrubs

Spireas are one of the most widely grown shrubs in the world. In North America alone, this plant has been cultivated and popularized for decades. There are many species and cultivars that are available at every nursery and garden center. The most common species is the Japanese spirea, from which such cultivars as ‘Magic Carpet’, ‘Little Princess’, and ‘Goldmound’ come from. Other favorites include the Nippon Spirea, Vanhoutte spirea, and the bridal wreath spirea. A North American native, steeplebush is not widely known, but produces tall, soft pink spikes on very tough plants. All the spireas do well in our climates and can take full sun to part shade. They do well in well-drained or heavy clay soils, and are drought tolerant. Flower colors range from bright pink to white, with some cultivars having an almost yellow look. They work well in shrub borders, mass plantings, mixed borders, cottage gardens, and as foundation plantings.